How to Pronounce "down for the count"
expression
ˈdaʊn/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈkaʊnt
DOWN fer thuh KOWNT
dˈaʊn/ /fˈɔː/ /ðə, ði/ /kˈaʊnt
DOWN faw thuh KOWNT
Definition
This expression means someone has been defeated or is too tired, hurt, or weak to continue, usually after a big effort. It comes from boxing, where a fighter who is knocked down and can’t get up is 'down for the count.'
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈdaʊn/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈkaʊnt
British English
dˈaʊn/ /fˈɔː/ /ðə, ði/ /kˈaʊnt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
DOWN fer thuh KOWNT
UK
DOWN faw thuh KOWNT
Listen in Context
After running the marathon, he was down for the count.
Jenny got the flu and was down for the count all week.
After three failed exams, Tim felt down for the count.
Don't worry, I'm not down for the count yet—I'll try again tomorrow.